Arsenal vs Villa: Gunners tipped to Win the FA Cup

The BBC are going all out this year to try and bring back the glory days of the FA Cup . Interviews with everyone including royalty.

Going back to the days when the Cup Final was the Day of the Year. I can remember the build up all morning from the team hotel etc to the teams arriving at Wembley.

Arsenal are back trying to retain the Cup against a Villa side who last won the FA Cup back in 1957. They have been in the final since. Their last final appearance was a 1-0 defeat to Chelsea back in 2000.

For Arsenal it’s their 19th Cup Final appearance. A record. It’s the 40th time they have appeared at Wembley. Again a record.

They should be well used to the surroundings and yet cannot take anything for granted today at the iconic arena.

This is the seventh Cup Final for Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger. He has won 5 out of his last six finals so the Cup is special to him and the club.

Arsenal have plenty of attacking options and in Alexis Sanchez they will have the best player on the park. He could be the difference in the end.

Aston Villa under Paul Lambert were a team that just looked like doom and gloom but Tim Sherwood has changed all that. They attack now and score goals and the Cup run has been a massive boost to a club who can now build for the Premiership next season. It’s been all good under Sherwood although it did take a little time to settle.. In Benteke they have a player who can find the net. The Belgian international has been a driving force for the club as has the fit again Shay Given. The Donegal man has been a revelation for Villa and it would be great to see him fit to play at Wembley once more. He is in the frame and who knows.

Villa struggled for long periods this season and they are facing a side who finished third in the Premiership and a side who are getting better. They play attractive football and I think the Cup Final could turn out to be a very entertaining watch.

Villa have nothing to lose and that could make it into a real good game. I fancy Arsneal all the same. I don’t think it will be easy but in the end I do believe that Wenger will again be celebrating a Cup Final Victory.